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Fed, economists make course correction on US recession predictions

Despite initial predictions of a recession, the U.S. economy has experienced unexpected growth, with high consumer spending and continued borrowing and investment by businesses being key factors.

reuters.com
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The U.S. economy is forecasted to be growing rapidly, which is causing concern for the Federal Reserve and those hoping for low interest rates.
The US economy has exceeded the Federal Reserve's estimate of its growth potential in recent years, with growth averaging 3% under President Joe Biden, but concerns about rising public debt and inflation, as well as the Fed's efforts to control them, may lead to slower growth in the future and potentially a recession. However, there are hints of improving productivity that could support continued economic growth.
Over half of U.S. small business owners believe the economy is already in a recession, though their own financial conditions remain strong and they have less concerns about the health of their banks, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.
The U.S. economy continues to grow above-trend, consumer spending remains strong, and the labor market is tight; however, there are concerns about inflation and rising interest rates which could impact the economy and consumer balance sheets, leading to a gradual softening of the labor market.
U.S. economic growth may be accelerating in the second half of 2023, defying earlier recession forecasts and leading to a repricing of long-term inflation and interest rate assumptions.
Despite optimistic economic data and the belief that a recession has been avoided, some economists and analysts believe that a recession is still on the horizon due to factors such as the impact of interest rate hikes and lagged effects of inflation and tighter lending standards.
Recent profit reports from companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot, along with other consumer statistics, indicate that the case for a 2023 recession is weakening, as the consumer economy shows resilience with rising real incomes, substantial savings, and continued spending in sectors like automobiles and services.
Consumer spending growth is slowing as the economy stabilizes, with consumers prioritizing essential purchases and adjusting their spending habits in response to rising interest rates and financial pressures.
Despite predictions of a slowdown, the American economy continues to show strong growth, with recent data suggesting annualized growth of nearly 6% in the third quarter; however, concerns about overheating and potential inflation, as well as increasing bond yields, raise doubts about the sustainability of this growth.
Recession fears return as a key business survey shows a significant contraction in the UK economy, signaling the detrimental effects of interest rate rises on businesses and heightening the risk of a renewed economic downturn.
US consumer spending is showing resilience and robust growth, although signs of a slowdown are emerging, potentially related to the public's perception of a deteriorating financial situation due to high inflation and rising interest rates, despite the fact that households still have higher deposits compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The US economy is expected to slow in the coming months due to the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation, which could lead to softer consumer spending and a decrease in stock market returns. Additionally, the resumption of student loan payments in October and the American consumer's credit card addiction pose further uncertainties for the economy. Meanwhile, Germany's economy is facing a contraction and a prolonged recession, which is a stark contrast to its past economic outperformance.
Warren Buffett warns that the U.S. economy's "incredible period" of growth is coming to an end, and suggests investors consider diversifying with recession-resistant assets, commercial real estate, international stocks, and keeping cash on hand.
The US economy grew at a slower pace in the second quarter, but still showed more strength than expected, with GDP revised down to 2.1% from an initial 2.4%; however, forecasts indicate a robust reading in the third quarter of 2.5% or higher, despite concerns of a potential recession.
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1% annual rate in the second quarter, showing resilience despite higher borrowing costs and a slight downgrade from the initial estimate of 2.4%, driven by consumer spending, business investment, and government outlays.
Consumer spending is driving third-quarter GDP growth, but unsustainable spending habits, tightening lending standards, and the depletion of pandemic savings may lead to a decline in consumer spending in early 2024.
The U.S. economy may achieve a soft landing, as strong labor market, cooling inflation, and consumer savings support economic health and mitigate the risk of a recession, despite the rise in interest rates.
U.S. consumer spending increased in July, boosting the economy and reducing recession risks, but the pace is likely unsustainable as households dip into their savings and face potential challenges from student debt repayments and higher borrowing costs.
The U.S. economy is defying expectations with continued growth, falling inflation, and a strong stock market; however, there is uncertainty about the near-term outlook and it depends on the economy's future course and the actions of the Federal Reserve.
Top economist David Rosenberg predicts that the US will experience a recession within the next six months due to the aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and the erosion of credit quality in credit card debt.
Fidelity International's Salman Ahmed predicts a recession due to rising interest rates and high levels of corporate debt that will face higher refinancing costs, potentially leading to a slowdown in growth and decreased consumer spending.
The US economy is predicted to enter a recession by spring, leading to a 25% or more crash in the S&P 500, according to economist David Rosenberg, who warns that American consumers are nearing their spending limits and rising home prices reflect a weak housing market.
Despite positive economic growth and low unemployment rates, several major indicators suggest that the American economy under President Joe Biden is heading towards a recession, with high government deficit numbers indicating possible overspending to prevent a recession before the 2024 election.
Deutsche Bank strategists warn that the U.S. economy has a greater chance of entering a recession within the next year due to high inflation and the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hike campaign.
The U.S. economy is expected to expand at a 2.2% annual rate in the current quarter, according to a real-time estimate from the New York Federal Reserve, which is lower than the Atlanta Fed's estimate of 5.6% growth; the strength of the economy will impact the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates and inflation.
Consumer spending has remained resilient, preventing the US economy from entering a recession, and this trend will likely continue due to low household debt-to-income levels.
The US economy is facing a looming recession, with weakness in certain sectors, but investors should not expect a significant number of interest-rate cuts next year, according to Liz Ann Sonders, the chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab. She points out that leading indicators have severely deteriorated, indicating trouble ahead, and predicts a full-blown recession as the most likely outcome. Despite this, the stock market has been defying rate increases and performing well.
Despite increased household wealth in the US, millions of households are struggling financially due to inflation, high interest rates, and rising living costs, which have led to record levels of debt and limited access to credit.
Bank of America believes that the US economy has shifted into a new phase of the economic cycle, indicating a recovery, and recommends investing in sectors such as financials, industrials, and materials that have historically outperformed during previous recoveries.
Consumer spending in the US has supported the economy despite concerns of a recession, but rising interest rates, the resumption of student loan payments, and dwindling savings are predicted to put pressure on consumers and potentially lead to a shrinking of personal consumption.
U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in August due to higher gasoline prices, but underlying spending on goods slowed as Americans faced increased inflation and borrowing costs, while the trend in underlying spending on goods was not as robust as initially thought in July. Despite this, overall consumer spending is expected to remain strong, driven by spending on services.
Entrepreneur Jaspreet Singh warns that signs of a potential recession in America include labor shortages, inflation-driven spending, and high interest rates, with economists predicting that the country may start feeling the effects of a recession by the second quarter of 2024. Singh advises Americans to educate themselves about saving money and investing to prepare for the possible downturn.